Government & Homeland Security
SIA is on the forefront of advocacy in front of government agencies on behalf of the security industry as the association also works to facilitate government purchases of security products and services. Moreover, SIA formed a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Science & Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to remain on the cutting edge of developments.
What SIA Members Need to Know About the New FAR Rule on TikTok
In response to the recent surge of security concerns regarding the application TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance Limited, Congress prohibited federal agency and contractor use under Division R, section 102 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, known as the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act,” which was signed into law Dec. 29, 2022.…
Keep Reading »Security Industry Association Announces Keynote Speakers for 2023 SIA GovSummit
The Chertoff Group Principal Lee Kair and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger will present at SIA’s public policy and government security technology conference taking place May 16-17 in Washington, D.C. SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the keynote speakers for the 2023 SIA GovSummit, SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology…
Keep Reading »Time Is Running Out to Submit a Proposal for BIRD Foundation Homeland Security Funding
Dear Security Industry Association (SIA) members, I would like to inform you of a funding opportunity of up to $1 million for innovative homeland security (HLS) solutions offered through the Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. The BIRD Foundation has issued a call for proposals to U.S. and Israeli companies to submit…
Keep Reading »How FICAM Revisions Enable New Security Solutions in the Government Sector
Face biometrics now equivalent to fingerprints under FIPS standards For government facilities and civilian organizations alike, establishing an effective physical access control system (PACS) is a top priority. Given the sensitive nature of the resources and information contained within many U.S. government facilities, though, designing a PACS that complies with the latest updates to Federal…
Keep Reading »Calls to End Biometrics for Air Traveler Verification Are Misguided, Put Americans at Risk
In a recent letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), several U.S. senators have called for ending the successful and popular use of facial recognition technology for traveler verification at TSA screening checkpoints. Unfortunately, the senators’ demand is based on mischaracterizations despite visible information provided by TSA on how the technology is used. It’s always…
Keep Reading »Transportation Worker Identity Credential: Reviving the Qualified Technology List With Simple Self-Certification Approval Process
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a biometric-enabled smart card identity credential that is issued to maritime workers to enable unescorted access into secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). TWIC is administered by DHS through two component organizations – the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and…
Keep Reading »Omnibus Funding Package for 2023: What’s Relevant for the Security Industry
Inside the $1.7 trillion funding bill: technology upgrade money, grants funding, dollars for school safety, standards projects, even new headquarters for FBI and DHS In the final weeks of 2022, Congress unveiled, and quickly passed, a $1.7 trillion omnibus package to fund the government through September 2023. The sweeping spending package is comprised of 12…
Keep Reading »Want to Grow Your Government Business? Participate in an “Industry Day”
Industry Days (and Reverse Industry Days) are a great way for those in the security industry to get a better understanding of how government agencies work and learn about their acquisition plans. Usually held before a Request for Proposal (RFP) is released or before any major program changes are initiated, Industry Days allow for agencies…
Keep Reading »Guest Opinion: Act Now to Secure Public Space: Commercial Drones Continue to Evolve and We Have No Plan!
I’ve written before about the urgent need to update and develop airspace regulations for commercial drone technology, and I want to share further thoughts and ideas with the security industry and policy leaders, as I am frustrated with the speed of change on these matters. The time has come to make real changes and develop…
Keep Reading »Congress Sends NDAA FY23 to Biden’s Desk, Adds Semiconductor Procurement Restrictions
Bill would authorize more than $850 billion for national security programs Congress has advanced the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023); included in the legislation is the authorization for more than $850 billion for national security programs. Included in the “must-pass” package are procurement provisions addressing…
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